Arden2Eifel is a self-supported gravel bikepacking adventure that links the rugged forests of the Belgian Ardennes with the volcanic hills of the German Eifel. Designed for mountain bikes and capable gravel bikes, the route combines flowing gravel roads, forest singletrack, rocky hiking trails, and scenic backroads into a demanding point-to-point challenge.
The route covers approximately 660 kilometres with around 12,000 metres of elevation gain, starting in Namur, Belgium, and finishing in Trier, Germany. Riders pass through dense forests, river valleys, historic villages, and the rolling landscapes of the Ardennes and Eifel, tackling a course that mixes fast gravel with technical off-road sections and occasional hike-a-bike.
Arden2Eifel follows a strict self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. Two staffed checkpoints provide route validation, while the continuous clock rewards efficient pacing, smart planning, and resilience over multiple days.
With its varied terrain, technical riding, and beautiful cross-border scenery, Arden2Eifel has established itself as one of the Benelux’s premier gravel bikepacking events. It is an ideal challenge for riders seeking a demanding off-road adventure through two of Western Europe’s most iconic cycling regions.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Riders taking on Arden2Eifel will cover 660 km and climb roughly 12000 m over the course of the route.
Arden2Eifel's terrain calls for a Gravel Bike, ideally running 45-50mm Tubeless tires. On the drivetrain side, a 38-40T (1x) chainring matched to a 10-51T cassette gives enough range for the climbing involved.
Expect a Advanced-tier challenge at Arden2Eifel — steadily rolling, with a healthy amount of climbing climbing over rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, with mild and generally comfortable weather typical for the time of year.
Arden2Eifel takes place on August 20, 2026. That puts it in summer, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.
Arden2Eifel runs primarily on gravel, and we'd recommend 45-50mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.